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Core stability exercises (a pilates type approach)

MS can affect balance and mobility in a number of ways, causing difficulty with everyday activities such as carrying a drink while walking, climbing stairs or maintaining balance while reaching.

What is core stability?

One element of balance is the ability to maintain a steady trunk whilst moving a limb. When we reach out an arm or take a step to walk, our nervous system switches on our muscles in a specific order, with trunk muscles contracting before limb muscles. This stabilises the body, ensuring that we are not pulled off balance by the moving arm or leg. This trunk steadiness is commonly known as 'core stability'. Training programmes, such as Pilates, exercise the 'core' muscles in a precise controlled manner with the aim of improving trunk stability.

It is important to discuss the best approach to using these exercises with your physiotherapist before you start.

Together you can develop a programme for your needs.

You can then download the exercises to produce a programme to do at home.